Updating a Vintage Washstand for Modern-Day Use

Arles chalk paint plays well with many other colors.

This washstand was so wobbly that I was afraid one sneeze would blow it over! I wasn't going to buy it, but there was another interested shopper trying to nudge me out of the way, so I immediately snatched it up. There's nothing like a little competition to get me to throw down my money, ha ha.

(I also bought the bench and you can see that project HERE.)

Wobbly washstand at thrift store.

First thing was to give it a good cleaning.

Vintage washstand cleaned and ready for paint.

Then I had to figure out how to stabilize the wobbliness. I pulled and tugged on each of the connection joints at the top of the table as well as where the legs connect to the bottom shelf.

Inspecting wood joints for repair.

As you can see I was able to easily pull the connections out of place. Luckily there weren't any nails holding the legs in place, so it was easy for me to access without damaging the structure. I've had a few chairs before that were reinforced with nails. Let's just say they ended up making good fire wood.

Remove the legs from the base in order to glue and clamp into place.

I squirted wood glue into the separated area.

Wood glue will form a tight bond and fix the wobbly table legs.

Then I put the spindled leg back into place and then wiped away the excess glue. The wood glue dries clear, but this step will help give a more professional appearance afterwards.

Taking this extra step will result in a professional looking finish.

Next I clamped it in place and allowed the wood glue to dry thoroughly. Easy-peasy except that I had to repeat the process for the other joints at the top and also where the bottom shelf connected. Still no problem there except I only had one clamp big enough for the job, so it was a long and tedious process. But once begun is half done . . .

Clamp in place until the wood glue is thoroughly dried.

Now that it's nice and sturdy once again it is time for the best part of any job . . . painting!

This project will have a bright cheerful color.

AFTER:

The washstand is painted in Arles (now called Marigold) chalk paint and sealed with clear wax. There's a little color surprise at the end of this post -- keep on scrolling!

Repurposed vintage washstand.

I initially left the top with the original wood finish, but it looked out of place to me, so I went ahead and painted the top to match the rest of the washstand.

Paint a bright one color finish in yellow.

I applied a medium distressed finish to the paint, with a bit of chippy here and there.

I applied medium distressing to the paint with a little chippy here and there.

I don't think too many people use washstands these days, but they are wonderfully useful for any room that needs a little extra boost of storage and work space, such as a kitchen or laundry room.

Vintage washstands are versatile and can be repurposed for modern use.

The old washstands are actually perfect to convert to a coffee bar.

Old washstands are perfect for today's coffee bar.

Let's take a look at some of the painted finish details with the distressed paint. 

Distress the chalk paint to mimic naturally worn areas.

Distressed chalk paint.

Distressed paint in all the right places.


Washstand painted in Arles chalk paint.

And here's the bit of color surprise! The interior drawer is painted in Provence (now called Verdigris) blue.

A surprise pop of color inside the drawer.

With the exterior having a vintage aged finish, the pop of bright color on the inside adds a nice contrast.

The bright blue interior is a nice contrast to the yellow.

I painted the wood knob to match the rest of the washstand.

I painted the wood knob to match the rest of the washstand.

I hope you enjoyed today's project! Thank you for visiting The Black Sheep Shoppe.

Before and after vintage washstand.

Turn an old washstand into a coffee bar with a splash of color!

Trash or treasure?
Some see trash, but I saw a treasure. Come see the makeover.

Comments

  1. Love ❤️ this awesome post ✍️ valuable & informative 👍

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are so creative!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I totally love how you created the finish and love the color. You said it was Arles chalk paint but what color is that? It almost looks more of a mustard color. It really looks like a vintage piece. Very well done.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Mary! The brand is Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and the exterior color is Arles. The drawer interior color is Provence (same brand).

      Delete

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